Employers in Canada are experiencing a notable increase in the processing time for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), particularly for the high-wage stream. According to the latest update from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), released on August 7, 2026, the average processing time for the high-wage stream has reached 88 business days. This marks the longest wait time for this stream in 2026 and is a considerable jump from previous months.
The July 2026 figures show that several other LMIA streams have also seen modest increases in processing times, ranging from one to nine business days. The low-wage stream, for instance, now stands at 73 business days, up two days from the previous month. This trend highlights a general increase in the time it takes for ESDC to assess LMIA applications.
It is crucial for employers to note that these published processing times are averages and do not include the mandatory recruitment and advertising periods required before an LMIA application can be submitted. These pre-application requirements can add significant additional weeks to the overall hiring process. Businesses relying on foreign talent are advised to plan their recruitment strategies well in advance to mitigate potential delays and ensure a smooth hiring process for essential positions.
While the high-wage and low-wage streams have seen increases, the permanent resident stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program has experienced a decrease in processing time, falling by 13 days to 86 business days. This offers a slight improvement for those supporting foreign workers through permanent residency pathways. However, the overall trend points to longer wait times for employers utilizing the high-wage stream for critical talent acquisition.
